Guest Author Sunday

Guest Author Sunday

Leanne Tomala

Guest Author Leanne Tomala is back to talk about her experiences in her quest to have dinner with Marty Sklar.  Be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Gals as our own Disney Gal 

Judy has been selected as one of the Media Correspondents covering the event in Chicago!

"The belief in a thing makes it happen."  - Frank Lloyd Wright.  I really like this quote.  It affirms what I have thought all along that sometimes wishing makes it so, especially since today is my birthday.  I am on a quest this year to have dinner with Marty Sklar.  I'm hoping he doesn't think that I am some kind of cyber-stalker.  I'm just a middle-aged woman who has loved Disney her entire life and would like to have a conversation with someone who was there with Walt Disney from the beginning.

The above excerpt was from my blog written on February 1, 2012.  I always thought that if you said things out-loud to the universe, the universe would respond, and it has!

Through my quest with the Disney Moms Panel for 2014, I was touched by so many people in the Disney blog-o-sphere and elsewhere.  Disney Gals, home to one of the new “Moms”, brought me into their fold as a guest blogger. for which I am grateful.  A recent post on Facebook by Disney Gals caught my attention: 

"Do you live in or near Chicago? Would you love to see a Disney Legend? Now is your chance, Marty Sklar is going to be at Museum of Science and Industry on Sunday, February 16!! Check out the information on this upcoming event!"

I live somewhat “near” to Chicago, in St. Louis, and can easily travel by Amtrak.  Here is my chance to meet Marty Sklar!  There will be no dinner involved, but a lecture and book signing are good enough for me and maybe a picture too!  Not wasting any time, I booked the train tickets and told my husband that we’re off to Chicago on February 16^th.  My husband will be with my grandson looking at the trains, the submarine and the coal mine.  I’ll be in the lecture hall listening to Mr. Sklar and getting his autograph on my copy of his book, “Dream It, Do It.” 

Wishes do come true!  Sometimes you just have to wait a bit…  

Party Planning Roundup - Showing our #DisneySide

A number of us Gals were lucky enough to be chosen to show our #DisneySide with an @Home Celebration! As not to flood our site, and your inbox, with individual postings, we will be doing a few group updates. Please feel free to share our ideas and let us hear any of your own.

Disney Gal Lori:

Date:    February 28th - March 1st (It's a long party!)
Theme: Toy Story
Plans:    We will be celebrating with 55 kids from Anderson Elementary school on Friday and thousands on Saturday at the Chandler Ostrich parade. My son has made extra large monkeys for a Barrel of Monkeys game and we'll be making some adorable aliens with the kids. Then we'll hit the parade route and take our float to Infinity and Beyond!

Disney Gals Judy & Kelly:

Date:    February 22nd

Theme: Disney Cruise

Plans:    We will be sailing on the newest ship in the fleet, The Disney Side! Our guest will be mainly older teens and adults, but we will all be embracing our inner child. Starting with a Sail Away Party, eating at "Cabanas" buffet, having a pirate photo shoot with Captain Jack, and ending with a dessert buffet. In between we will have Cruise Line games and adult beverages in "O'Gill's Pub".

Disney Gal Gayle:

Date:    February 28, 2014

Theme: Disney Dance Party-Music from the Parks

Plans:   The unsuspecting cast of Madrone Players' upcoming production of "The Wizard of Oz", thinks they are coming to a special Friday rehearsal. But instead, they will walk into the rockiness of the craziest Disney Dance Parties of all time, complete with Disco Ball, fist pumping, and make you want to get up and show your #DisneySide music from the Parks. Led by our own Disney Performing Arts Conservatory member,  the cast will be treated to the wildest afternoon in the wilderness, complete with Disney dances, photo booths, Disney food and magical surprises galore as they prepare to embark on their journey over the rainbow the following week! Shhhhhhhhh-don't tell-it's a secret!

Next week we will catch you up on how the plans are coming along. Until then...how are you showing your #DisneySide?

Ways to Save Money at Disney

Ways to Save Money on Dining at Walt Disney World

Destinations in Florida and Disney Gal Travel Agent Dawn is back to give us all some great tips on how to save money on dining at Walt Disney World

Here are a few ways you can save on dining at Walt Disney World. There are plenty of discounts off property, but logistically that might be a problem for most, especially if you don’t have a vehicle. The first thing that comes to mind is;

·      Walt Disney World Passholder Program - Dining Discounts at Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks. Enjoy dining discounts at various Disney restaurants. Reserve online or by calling (407) 407-939-3463. This discount is valid for the Passholder and up to 3 Guests. The locations at WDW that offer dining discounts are; Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney & the Boardwalk, plus some of the Moderate & Deluxe Disney Resort Restaurants.

·      Free Disney Dining offered at certain times of the year, generally slower non-peak periods like the FALL Season.

·      Also mention if you are an AAA member & see if that helps, it could possibly save you 10% to 15% per meal.

·      Tables in Wonderland - (TIW), offers Florida Residents, DVC members and Annual Passholders 20% off of all food and beverage purchases at the participating Disney restaurants. It is a membership program with annual fees and each card is good for up to 10 guests.  The card is valid for one year from the date of purchase. The price is $100.00 for an Annual/Seasonal Passholder, $50.00 for a second card. For a Florida Resident who is not an Annual/Seasonal Passholder, the cost is $125.00. It is $50.00 for lost/replacement cards. The TIW Card can be purchased at any Disney Guest Services location. You must be over 21 for TIW membership. Also, If you are dining at a Disney Resort with valet parking and are using your TIW card, they will waive the valet parking fee. You will incur an 18% gratuity added no matter the party size. The TIW discount is not available on holidays. Interested call- 407-566-5858

·      Florida Residents & Disney Visa members also receive special discounts at various Disney restaurants. Check out Disneyworld.go.com under special offers.

·      Restaurant.com is another way to save on dining

·      Costco.com

·      Groupon.com

There are also coupons available at Orlando welcome centers, tourist bureaus, gas stations, but most importantly online- just research in advance…….

*One important tip in planning your dining. Book 180 days out- especially at “Be our Guest” & some of the faves like Victoria & Albert’s & “Cindy’s Royal Table” & be patient, something might possibly open up. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.*

Monday Memories

Normally when a person shares a memory from their time at Disney, the usual reaction is "Awwww". Not so much with my tale, an "Ewwww" might be in order. Hope you're not eating while reading this, well, maybe I exaggerate just a bit.

A little over a year ago, I was participating in my very first runDisney event, The Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run. Since this was the Saturday morning event, it left plenty of time to attend the Villain Bash that night in Disney Hollywood Studios. Not only is that where the runners finish The Tower of Terror 10-miler, but a number of attractions are open until 4am!

Photo courtesy of wdwforgrownups.com

The first hour I cheered for the runners, being inspired by their athleticism and their costumes, then realized I should hit a few rides before all the runners and spectators get in line. Off to the Rock n Roller Coaster! It was the most beautiful sight, barely a wait, and being a single rider, I went straight to the front of the line. 10 minutes later, I was back in the single rider line. Just can't get enough of Steven Tyler & the boys. This time the line was a bit longer. The cast member was moving things along by putting 2 single riders together in "the limo" if none were needed elsewhere. This is where it all went wrong.

In line, directly in front me, was a young guy that had just finished the 10-miler, and I do mean JUST finished. I think he grabbed his medal and kept running over to the Rock n Roller Coaster, not even taking a minute to towel off. The cast member called us both to line up for the next ride. When our limo pulled up, the  runner climbed over my seat, dripping all the way. He grabbed my harness to balance himself, leaving it slimy and wet. The cast member noticed my hesitation to get in, but did not take pity, she motioned me to hurry up. I cringed as I sat in the sweat covered seat, then tried to pull my harness down just enough to protect me,while not enough to be smashed against my chest. That didn't work as well as I had hoped. The next 3 minutes were un-enjoyable to say the least. After exiting the ride,I could feel the wet on my shorts and wanted nothing more than to go back to the resort and shower, that is until I heard the wait for Toy Story Mania was only 10 minutes.

The moral of this memory - runners, please bring an extra shirt or towel. I will be more than happy to chEAR for you, if you promise to dry off for me.

D23 Presents Marty Sklar

Dream It! Do It!

A Presentation by Marty Sklar

 

(Photo from MSI Chicago)

Marty Sklar, a Disney Legend and Imagineering Ambassador will be at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago on Sunday, February 16, 2014; at 1:00 pm. 

Marty worked for the Disney company for 54 years, in many positions including early years of ghost-writing personal material for Walt Disney, to his lead creative role in conceiving and designing the Disney Parks, he was also Executive Vice President and President of Walt Disney Imagineering.  Marty has been at the Center of virtually every major Disney Park initiative for more than 50 years. He also led the creative development of EPCOT Center, Tokyo Disneyland, the Disney-MGM Studios, Disneyland Paris and Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Foodie Friday - DIY Dole Whips

Those who know me well know that I have a deep affinity for Dole Whips.  I begin and end each Disney Vacation with one, and have countless others while I am there, no matter how much I want to avoid them.  If I jumped in my car right now, it would take me eighteen hours and ten minutes to get to Aloha Isle at the Magic Kingdom.  Oy! Even though I typically cannot stand the thought of being in a car more than four hours, I would gladly drive 1,210 miles for just a taste of my precious Dole Whip.

Wordless Wednesday - January 29, 2014

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS:

SIDEKICKS!

Disney Gal Kelly:

Join the Magic of D23

D23 UNLOCKS THE MAGIC OF DISNEY WITH A NEW YEAR OF SPECTACULAR MEMBER EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

In 2014, The Official Disney Fan Club Will Travel to New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Other Cities as Well as Walt Disney World Resort

 This year, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will reach out to fans across the country with a wide array of uniquely magical Disney experiences for members.

DESTINATION D: ATTRACTION REWIND presented by H20 Plus: Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” It’s in that spirit that guests this summer will have the opportunity to visit—or revisit—some of the most beloved Disney attractions of yesteryear. Destination D: Attraction Rewind, held July 26 and 27 at Walt Disney World Resort, will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and revealing stories. In addition, several presentations will be dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small worldand Carousel of Progress.

Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend Registration Opens Tuesday!

Photo Disneyland Events

Get ready…..get set…GO!!! Mark your calendars-registration is almost upon us for Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland® Resort.

Registration for the 2014 Disneyland® Half Marathon Weekend opens Noon EST on January 28, 2014.

Weekend events will include:

Disneyland® Half Marathon

Sunday, August 31, 2014

5:30 a.m.  Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

Disneyland® 10K

Saturday, August 30, 2014

5:30 a.m.  Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

Disneyland® Family Fun Run 5K

Friday, August 29, 2014

5:30 a.m.  Start/Finish: Downtown Disney® District

runDisney Kids Races

Saturday, August 30, 2014   9:00 a.m.

Location: Downtown Disney® District

And of course the

Dumbo Double Dare

Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31, 2014

Start/Finish: Disneyland® Resort

If you think that a half marathon is just a walk in the park, put your endurance to the test and compete in the Dumbo Double Dare! A 19.3-mile adventure held over two days, participants will run the Disneyland® 10K on Saturday, followed by the Disneyland® Half Marathon on Sunday. If you finish both races within the pacing requirements, you will be awarded the Dumbo Double Dare medal in addition to your Half Marathon and 10K finisher medals.  Please note that you must register for the Dumbo Double Dare to receive the Dumbo medal upon completion of both races within the pacing requirements.

Now the only question is, which race showcases your #DisneySide?  Don’t forget, race registration opens THIS TUESDAY, January 28 at Noon EST Past history shows that all of these races sell out within an hour or two of registration opening ! To register or find out more about this, and all the other runDisney events, race on over to  http://www.rundisney.com/ 

Gayle is a Disney Gal that loves churros for breakfast, still gets giddy with delight at the first sight of the “Disneyland next exit sign”, loves the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with each and every return to the Happiest Place on Earth and dreams of one day being the Captain of the Jungle Boat. To learn more about Gayle, click here

Wordless Wednesday - January 22, 2014

WELCOME TO THE DISNEY GALS WORDLESS WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP!

THE THEME OF THE DAY IS:

PARADES!

Special Thanks goes out to Deb from Focused on the Magic for

hosting the weekly blog hop!

Animal Kingdom at Night? You Bet!

The endurance to complete a 5K, the strength to defeat an obstacle course, and a sharp mind for the challenges of a scavenger hunt. If you have all of that sprinkled with a sense of adventure, then head on over to runDisney.com and sign up for the Expedition Everest Challenge!

This night time run through the Animal Kingdom will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, at 10:00 p.m. followed by a post-race party with the Yeti! Think he's a good dancer?  Sign up alone or save a bit by signing up as a team with your running buddy. ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex will be hosting Saturday morning races. For the younger runners, there is a 9:00 a.m. kids race with pint sized obstacles, or a 10:00 a.m. family run and scavenger hunt for groups of 2 - 6.

Sound intriguing? Check out the link, but don't wait too long. This popular race is already 94% full.